[MQAAord]

Remember FMLA applies to new dads too! You're entitled, within the scope of the law, to have 12 weeks unpaid off within 12 months of the life event. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, it is federal law that they give you this time.

Ask about paternity leave, some companies offer it.

Both our kids were induced, one by choice, and one by medical necessity. Obviously a premature birth can happen, and that's just life, but we planned on inducing so that Bill would be there. Our doc was fine with it.

Sure, you'll miss some holidays and birthdays and other stuff. But you'll also have more "whole" (full) days with them than office-dwellers might. Basically take full advantage of the time you DO have with them. Don't sit around whining and pouting about missing this and missing that. Make the BEST of every minute you DO have with them.

It's always been no big deal in our house when Daddy goes to work. Daddy goes to work for a few days, then Daddy comes home for a few days. Lather, rinse, repeat. It's no big deal. I don't say, "Oh, Daddy's gone, isn't that awful, oh poor us, don't we miss Daddy, wah wah wah...". No. It's, "Oh, Daddy's at work, he'll be back saturday." I don't make a big deal of him being gone, so it's not a big deal to them! They get to see plenty of him, even if the time may not be every evening, it's still lots of time.